B-Greek: The Biblical Greek Forum

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Stephen Carlson wrote: The detail in Luke and John that ear was the right one might suggest that he was attacked from behind or from an angle.)

FWIW, I have always assumed that it was a face to face confrontation. When Peter struck at Malchus, perhaps lunging at him, then Malchus likely reacted by side stepping the blow, possibly moving to the left (if Peter was right handed) so that the blow only caught his right ear. Seems to me Peter was going for the jugular.

Stephen Carlson wrote: The detail in Luke and John that ear was the right one might suggest that he was attacked from behind or from an angle.)

FWIW, I have always assumed that it was a face to face confrontation. When Peter struck at Malchus, perhaps lunging at him, then Malchus likely reacted by side stepping the blow, possibly moving to the left (if Peter was right handed) so that the blow only caught his right ear. Seems to me Peter was going for the jugular.

I've always assumed that the μάχαιρα was a single-edged sword/knife used for slashing, and I'm having a tough time seeing how a lunge could miss and take off an ear. I've envisioned Malchus moving just enough for his skull. but not his ear, to avoid the blade of a downward slash.

Stephen Carlson wrote: I've envisioned Malchus moving just enough for his skull. but not his ear, to avoid the blade of a downward slash.

Assuming a downward blow it puzzles me that there is no mention of injury to Malchus' shoulder. I suppose clothing could be enough to protect him. The μάχαιρα is also pointy, I assume for the purpose of stabbing.

Stephen Carlson wrote: I've envisioned Malchus moving just enough for his skull. but not his ear, to avoid the blade of a downward slash.

Assuming a downward blow it puzzles me that there is no mention of injury to Malchus' shoulder. I suppose clothing could be enough to protect him. The μάχαιρα is also pointy, I assume for the purpose of stabbing.

It probably depends on the heft of the weapon. I'm thinking the size of a large carving knife. To go for the jugular as you earlier suggested, I would still envision a slashing rather than a stabbing motion.

Stephen Carlson wrote: I've envisioned Malchus moving just enough for his skull. but not his ear, to avoid the blade of a downward slash.

Assuming a downward blow it puzzles me that there is no mention of injury to Malchus' shoulder. I suppose clothing could be enough to protect him. The μάχαιρα is also pointy, I assume for the purpose of stabbing.

Stephen Carlson wrote:
It probably depends on the heft of the weapon. I'm thinking the size of a large carving knife. To go for the jugular as you earlier suggested, I would still envision a slashing rather than a stabbing motion.